Seinfeld

Seinfeld, the TV show as we know it, started out as a pilot on July 5, 1989 called The Seinfeld Chronicles. After a shaky first episode devoid of Elaine Benes and Kramer (Michael Richards played the part but he was named Kessler back then — it’s truly a bizarro-Jerry thing to watch), the show found its footing and became the pillar of nothingness that we all recognize.

When most TV shows end, they’re mourned and, if they’re lucky, they live on in syndication, but Seinfeld left such an impact on pop culture that there are references that still pop up in daily life that we’re guessing people (kids these days!) don’t even realize came from the show. From skinny mirrors to shrinkage to big salads, here are the things that are just as relevant twenty five years later. This is not comprehensive by any means, so if you think we missed any essential references, feel free to air your grievances in the comments. Read more…

In a cruel twist of pop culture fate, some of our most beloved movies, TV series, and musicals only exist in other movies, TV series, and musicals! From SMASH’s fictional Broadway show, Marilyn, to Scream’s delightfully meta Stab series, we rounded up our favorite shows-within-a-show — now someone get on Kickstarter and get these gems made. Read more…

ActorLen Lesser, best known for his role as Uncle Leo in Seinfeld, has died at the age of 88. Lesser’s portrayal of Uncle Leo is near and dear to us because we’re a teeny bit obsessed with the show about nothing. Lesser/Uncle Leo gave us the catch phrase “Jerry! Hello!” in addition to being a petty shoplifter at Brentanos book store and stealing Jerry’s watch out of he garbage (that Uncle Leo, he didn’t know the freegan movement he was setting off at the time). In addition to Seinfeld, Lesser has more than 160 other roles to his credit. We’re genuinely sad about the loss.

Lesser passed away on Wednesday after suffering from cancer-related pneumonia. In honor of his life, please check out an Uncle Leo YouTube memorial after the jump. Hello! And… Goodbye.